rob the cradle verb2 •To marry or become romantically involved with a much younger person, especially one from a younger generation.The actress, 31, also pooh-poohs the notion that she's robbing the cradle with Timberlake, 22. — 2004 •To use a young person for a purpose inappropriate to their age. formsrobbed the cradle · robbing the cradle · robs the cradle